Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

808 people sought eating disorders help at Richmond in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a eating disorders can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 61 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Eating disorders

What is eating disorder therapy?

Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

How does eating disorder therapy work?

At Thriveworks, Eating disorders begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.

Signs of an eating disorder

The signs of an eating disorder can include:

  • Drastic weight changes
  • Preoccupation with food and body image
  • Binge eating or extreme dieting
  • Excessive exercise
  • Social withdrawal and secrecy around eating
  • Physical and emotional symptoms like fatigue and anxiety

What is the success rate of CBT for eating disorders?

CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.

What is the recovery rate for people with eating disorders?

The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.

Is eating disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Eating disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does eating disorder therapy last?

The length of Eating disorders will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. Your therapist can help to determine what might be most beneficial for you.

Need more help deciding?

Anorexia or Bulimia in Richmond, VA—Counseling and Treatment

Eating disorders are characterized by a distorted view of one’s own body shape and size along with irregular, compulsive, and unhealthy eating habit. Some may mischaracterize them as a pick or finicky stage in a teen’s life, but they are harmful, possibly even deadly, psychiatric disorders.

Fortunately, there are effective interventions. Psychological treatments and medical treatments can be combined and tailored to individual needs. Getting started may be as simple as asking for help. If you are struggling with disordered eating, know that the therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks Richmond are ready to help. We have helped many people find the holistic treatment they need to break free from anorexia or bulimia. Reach out today to get started.

Identifying Anorexia and Bulimia

There are many types of eating disorders, but anorexia and bulimia may be the most well-known. Abnormal eating habits and acute anxiety about one’s body weight are symptoms of any eating disorder. They typically surface during teen or young adult years, but people of all ages can have an eating disorder, as can both men and women. PTSD, other anxiety disorders, and depression often co-occur with eating disorders.

Anorexia and bulimia share many characteristics, but they are separate disorders and diagnoses. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) identifies anorexia nervosa (most often called simply anorexia) with the following characteristics:

  • Irrational and severe fear of weight gain that leads a person to obstruct healthy weight maintenance and gain.
  • Feelings of disgust for one’s body weight and size with an inability to perceive one’s low body weight.
  • Intentionally reducing food consumption so that a substantially lower body weight results (in relationship to healthy standards for one’s age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health).

The DSM-5 identifies bulimia nervosa (most often called simply bulimia) with the following characteristics:

  • One’s body weight and size dominates one’s self-perception.
  • Repeated times of binge eating that involve…
    • Eating more food than most people could eat during the same circumstances and time period.
    • Losing control over food consumption during the binge.
  • Repeated behaviors that attempt to compensate for food intake such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of medications such as diuretics and laxative; fasting too long and too often; exercising in an extreme manner.

How Do Anorexia and Bulimia Develop?

The specific causes that may lead to anorexia and bulimia developing in a person are often person and even intimate. Each case is unique. And yet, mental health professionals speak generally about two categories into which these causes fall: environmental causes and biological causes:

  1. There are many examples of environmental causes, including living in an environment engrossed with unrealistic beauty, thinness, and body type; childhood trauma; peer pressure to appear a particular way; family trauma.
  2. There are many examples of biological causes, including a genetic predisposition, irregular hormone functions, and nutritional deficiencies.

Treating Anorexia and Bulimia at Thriveworks Richmond

Thriveworks Richmond provides treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Our therapists and psychologists offer holistic care, and we have helped many clients receive the psychological and medical care they need.

Calling to schedule treatment can feel overwhelming, and we want to give each client support, even from the first time they dial our office. If you call to schedule therapy for anorexia and bulimia, a person will answer and find an appointment that is convenient for you. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and many clients see their counselor within the week of their first call. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Effective interventions for bulimia and anorexia are available. You do not have to fight them by yourself. Call Thriveworks Richmond to get started.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Richmond therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Richmond
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Read more I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Lynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Read more I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My view with Dr. Young was a real eye opener.
Randy Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located off of Markel Rd, just south of Libbie Place Shopping Center. Our building is across the street from the Faison Center and next to Pandora’s Lashes and Coates and Davenport, P.C. Our office is in the Enterprise Center, which we share with Liquid Talent Agency and SIL Insurance, among other businesses.

Phone number

(804) 312-5498

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Polish
  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

12 photos